AUGUSTA – With moose hunting season under way, Gov. Paul R. LePage is urging Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program by donating all or part of their harvest to feed families in need. The popular program provides a means for Maine hunters, as well as hunters from other states, to donate harvested game to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food. Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works are asked to 287-7513.

For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor, call toll free 1-888-4DEERME (888-433-3763). The program also has a Facebook page.

For more information about The Emergency Food Assistance Program, visit maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/index.shtml. For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry,visit maine.gov/dacf.